Rich Hill Dominates in Dodgers Loss

It was a long day for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday at Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs made the day a little longer when they took Dodgers to extras. Chicago walked it off in the 10th inning with a single from Albert Almora, his first career walk off, to win 2-1.

Missed Opportunities for the Dodgers

The Dodgers had more than enough chances to break the game wide open, however, they went a measly 2-15 with runners in scoring position.

All those chances squashed Rich Hill’s magnificent performance on the bump. In his first start since May 19th, Hill threw sixth solid innings. He struck out six, while allowing just three hits and walked just two.

It began in the third inning when Enrique Hernandez singled to center before Max Muncy drew a walk. Yasiel Puig proceeded to line out while Cody Bellinger struck out swinging. Logan Forsythe doubled to start the top of the fourth. Cubs’ starter Mike Montgomery sat down the next three Dodgers out in a row.

More opportunities arose two innings later. This time, the Dodgers were able to capitalize when Cody Bellinger reached on a free pass. Austin Barnes drove a pitch just past a diving Addison Russell. His single scored a scampering Bellinger from first base to tie the game at one.

In the ninth inning, Dave Roberts and company had a massive chance to take the lead late in this contest. Forsythe hit his second double of the night to put another Dodger in scoring position. Cody Bellinger was then given an intentional walk to setup a double play.

The last chances for the Dodgers came in the 10th. Justin Turner walked to start the frame. Bellinger then slapped a single into center which moved Turner up to third base. The Cubs pitcher, Justin Hancock, walked the bases loaded, after Forsythe reached base for the fourth time. But Rob Zastryzny managed to get out of a tight jam by popping up Yasmani Grandal.

Almora Walks It Off

Kris Bryant started the last of the game by smoking a triple to right field. The ball ricocheted hard and rolled away from Puig. The Dodgers’ Brock Stewart intentionally walked Javier Baez to set up Almora’s game winning hit.

Next Game

The finale of this series starts at 11:20 AM on Wednesday when Ross Stripling (6-1, 1.76 ERA) takes on Jon Lester (8-2, 2.28).